Local Arts Agencies National Cohort Program (LAANCP) | NEAPS2406

Opportunity Information: Apply for NEAPS2406

The Local Arts Agencies National Cohort Program (LAANCP) is a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) discretionary funding opportunity that will support one selected organization (the "Cooperator") to design and manage a national cohort-based program for Local Arts Agencies (LAAs). The central purpose is to broaden and deepen support for LAAs across the country by building a structured learning and support system that helps LAA leaders connect with each other, keep up with changes in the field, and apply proven practices in their communities. Rather than funding many separate local projects, this opportunity funds a single entity to run a national-level program that delivers services directly to LAAs through a coordinated cohort model.

Program services are expected to include practical, ongoing supports such as dedicated coaching for participants, virtual programming (for example, webinars, trainings, or facilitated sessions), access to on-demand resources (like toolkits, templates, recorded trainings, or curated guidance), and in-person convenings that bring participants together for deeper networking and shared problem-solving. The program also emphasizes networking and peer learning activities, meaning the Cooperator should create ways for LAA staff and leaders to regularly exchange ideas, compare strategies, and learn from each others experiences, not just passively receive information. In short, LAANCP is meant to function as a multi-dimensional learning community where LAAs can strengthen their capacity and adapt to evolving needs and trends.

The NEA highlights two primary goals. First, the agency wants to build and strengthen a nationwide network of local arts agencies by facilitating a learning community in which LAA leaders can share strategies and tools, respond to field-wide trends, and learn both from peers and from recognized experts. Second, the NEA wants LAAs to receive resources and other assistance grounded in best practices, suggesting the program should be informed by what has been shown to work in arts administration, local cultural planning, community engagement, equity and access efforts, partnerships, grantmaking and regranting, and organizational sustainability. The intent is not only connection, but also practical capacity-building that LAAs can translate into stronger local service and leadership.

This opportunity is offered as a Cooperative Agreement, which generally indicates a more hands-on relationship with the NEA than a standard grant. Under this structure, the selected Cooperator typically carries out the work while coordinating closely with the NEA, aligning deliverables, timelines, and program design with NEA priorities. The funding instrument type signals that the NEA expects substantial involvement in how the program is implemented, rather than simply providing funds and receiving periodic reports.

Key administrative details include the opportunity number NEAPS2406 and the CFDA number 45.024 (Arts). The award ceiling is $600,000, and the NEA anticipates making one award, meaning a single applicant will be chosen to operate the national cohort program. The original application closing date is August 6, 2024, and the opportunity was created on June 6, 2024. Eligible applicants are broad and include multiple levels of government (state, county, city or township, special districts), independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in that nonprofit category). This eligibility range is designed to allow a variety of capable entities with national reach and convening power to compete to serve as the Cooperator.

Overall, LAANCP is a national capacity-building and field-strengthening initiative aimed at making local arts agencies more connected, better supported, and more able to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. The funded organization will be responsible for creating the structure, programming, and support systems that turn those goals into an active cohort experience, combining coaching, virtual and in-person learning, resource development, and sustained peer networking to strengthen the LAA ecosystem nationwide.

• The National Endowment for the Arts in the arts sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Local Arts Agencies National Cohort Program (LAANCP)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.024.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-06-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-08-06. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $600,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

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